Global businesses and modern technology are fuelling an increase in remote working in Hong Kong, which could lead to greater employee satisfaction and lower operating costs, says recruiting experts Hays.

According to the latest Hays Journal, more organisations than ever before are encouraging their employees to work remotely in a bid to increase productivity, cut costs and improve employees’ motivation by giving them a better work/life balance.

“Rapid advances in technology such as phone and video conferencing, smartphones and tablets are taking people out of the office and allowing them to work almost anywhere, anytime,” says Marc Burrage, Regional Director of Hays in Hong Kong. “As a result, the nature of employment is evolving fast, changing how jobs are structured and executed. Modern technology allows employees to liaise with colleagues and clients from home, at customers’ offices or further afield in business centres or internet cafes, using the latest mobile tools.

“Of course, when you take location out of the equation you also widen the pool of potential candidates who can be considered for roles, which is particularly beneficial for roles where skills are in short supply.

“Remote working also has the benefit of being more green and time-efficient than traditional commuting, and of course it can reduce central office costs.”

But Hays also offers a word of warning. “Clear guidelines are needed to ensure the change in working patterns suits both parties. Employees working remotely must follow the same rules as those working in an office, including treating company information as confidential and keeping equipment and data safe. It is still important to hold periodic face-to-face and virtual meetings to prevent staff becoming disconnected or less engaged in the company culture. HR directors must also consider how central office workers will respond to teleworking colleagues. It is also worth bearing in mind that not everyone will function well working alone and companies should have policies in place to deal with this.”

To access the Hays Journal please visit:www.hays-journal.com

Hays, the world’s leading recruiting experts in qualified, professional and skilled people.

About Hays

Hays is the leading global specialist recruiting group. We are the expert at recruiting qualified, professional and skilled people worldwide, being the market leader in Asia Pacific and the UK and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe and Latin America. We operate across the private and public sectors, dealing in permanent positions, contract roles and temporary assignments.

As at 31 December 2011, Hays employed 7,988 staff operating from 247 offices in 31 countries across 20 specialisms. For the year ended 30 June 2011, Hays reported net fees of GBP 672 million and operating profit of GBP 114 million and placed around 60,000 candidates into permanent jobs and around 190,000 people into temporary assignments. 31% of Group net fees were generated in Asia Pacific.